6 potential coaching candidates for Cardinals to replace Steve Wilks

With the firing of Steve Wilks, the Cardinals begin their search for a new head coach. There are a few names that have already been linked to the Cardinals, some that were interviewed last year, and others that would just make sense. Unfortunately for Wilks, he’ll have to find a new job after this trainwreck of a season.

It certainly seems like the Cardinals front office will be looking towards an offensive-minded head coach to develop rookie QB Josh Rosen. Many of the young quarterbacks in the league thrived after being paired with an offensive head coach. Jared Goff had another great season with Sean McVay, Mitchell Trubisky’s Bears clinched a playoff birth with Matt Nagy, Patrick Mahomes is an MVP candidate under Andy Reid, and Deshaun Watson is lighting it up with Bill O’Brien.

Here are a few candidates who could fit for the Arizona Cardinals

Mike McCarthy:

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

So far, this candidate has generated the most buzz. Already, multiple sources reported McCarthy and the Cardinals have mutual interest.

Ironically, McCarthy was fired after Green Bay’s 20-17 loss to Arizona. His last two seasons in Green Bay ended in failures to reach the postseason, something that should not happen when Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback.

McCarthy could be interested in helping Josh Rosen. It could also be the resources the Cardinals have for building a new roster in the offseason. Either way, this could be a very good match for both parties.

McCarthy’s Packers went 125-77-2 with 10 playoff wins and a Super Bowl title over a 13-year span. He’s certainly the most successful coach on this list. But how much of that success came from All-Star Quarterback Aaron Rodgers? Would Arizona see similar issues from his final two seasons in Green Bay?

While there are certainly reasons for concern, McCarthy could bring a culture change to the desert. Most importantly, his presence could help Josh Rosen take a huge leap in his second year in the NFL.

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